Ecumenical Patriarch: History is judged by steadfastness in faith

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Spring of the Virgin Mary of Blachernae on Friday, August 7, 2026, marking the 1,400th anniversary of the first chanting of the Akathist Hymn at the historic site.

In his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch said that hearing the Akathist Hymn at Blachernae, where it was first chanted exactly 1,400 years ago, “transports us to other realms” and deepens the awareness of the Christian presence in “this blessed land of our Fathers, despite the ravages of time and the changing circumstances.”

The Ecumenical Patriarch recalled the miraculous deliverance of Constantinople from the Avar siege on the night of August 6–7, 626. In gratitude to the Most Holy Theotokos, the people of the City stood and chanted the hymn that would become known as the Akathist and remain throughout the centuries “a living testimony of faith.” As he stressed, Constantinople was saved “not through the power of weapons, but through the grace and protection of the Theotokos.”

The Ecumenical Patriarch noted that the anniversary was not merely a commemoration of a historic event, but a celebration of the unceasing presence of the…